Celebrating the festive season with your baby: from birth to six months

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Seeing the season through your baby's eyes

Your newborn baby won't be able to actively join in with all the festivities. But she will be captivated by the bright colours, sparkling lights and music of the season.

Your newborn baby will only be able to see things that are about 20cm to 35cm (8in to 14in) from her eyes. Hold her up to gaze at the lights on your Christmas tree or lay her on an activity mat so she can have a baby's-eye-view of the decorations.

By one month old, your baby will be transfixed by almost anything you pass in front of her face. Try dangling a brightly coloured, unbreakable bauble close to her or crinkling some colourful wrapping paper nearby. She’ll be delighted. Talk and sing to your baby constantly too. She’ll find the sound of your voice reassuring and will be the only person who won’t mind if you sing Christmas songs out of tune!

Young babies love to be touched, held, cooed and smiled at. This is good news when adoring grandparents and other relatives are keen to have a hold of your little one. Being cuddled will make her feel more secure too. Make the most of this time. When she is five or six months old, she’ll be able to tell the difference between people and may cry when cuddled by someone she doesn’t know well.

Your baby's hearing will be fully developed by one month old, and she'll pay close attention to voices. Play her soft seasonal music, read aloud from your favourite books or just chat away about what you’re doing.

All are are great ways to stimulate your child. Your baby may also enjoy new sounds like crackling wrapping paper, ringing bells, and the comings and goings of visitors. Try to keep in mind, though, that newborn babies may startle at loud or unexpected noises.

It's easy to get caught up in the holiday merry-making and forget that too much going on at once can take its toll on a young baby. Watch your baby for cues. Put her down for a nap when you see the signs of sleepiness, like ear-pulling, eye-rubbing and crying.

During the festive season, routines are often disrupted, which can cause problems for new parents. Whenever possible, try to stick to your little one’s routine. It’s better to make the effort to find a room where she can take a nap, rather than spend the day with an overtired baby.

Managing holiday travel

Hard to believe, but travelling with a new baby the first few months can be relatively easy. It’s certainly much easier at this age than hitting the road with a squirmy toddler!

Pack a changing bag, clothes, nappies and a travel cot or carry cot. If you’re bottle feeding, you’ll also need to remember bottles, formula and a steriliser.

Your baby will probably sleep for most of the journey. If you’re going a particularly long way, you may find soft books, musical toys or rattles help entertain her when she wakes.

Keeping your baby safe

The festive season means more cars on the road, which unfortunately means a greater risk of accidents. Pay particular attention to how your baby’s car seat is installed, especially if you're in a hire car or taxi.

While you're not required to buy a plane seat for a child under the age of two, you may want to if you can afford it. You'll have a more relaxing trip with the extra space. You may be able to use your baby's car seat in the plane seat, or hire one that will fit. Ask your airline for more information.

The most common accidents at this age are cot-related. They also involve falls from infant seats, highchairs or changing tables, or burns from hot water.

If you're spending time at a relative's home, you'll need to be extra vigilant. Take your own travel cot so you know your baby can sleep safely.

By around four or five months old, your baby may be able to roll over and grasp a toy within her reach. Keep floors clear of decorations, toys, sweets and nuts that your baby could choke on.

When you visit friends or relatives, remember that their homes are not childproofed. If your child is mobile and coordinated enough to reach for things, be particularly careful.

Finally, resist the temptation to hang a new toy or colourful ornament, or anything else on a string from your baby's cot. A baby can easily become entangled in a cord.

Choosing the right present

Soft books or toys with high-contrast patterns and bright colours are the best bet for young babies. Anything that moves slowly and produces a gentle sound, such as a mobile or other musical cot attachment is ideal for young babies.

Between three and six months, your baby will discover her hands and start to bat and grasp at toys. Soft play mats or activity boards are good choices for this stage. This is also when she'll learn to roll over and sit up.

Your baby will also start putting everything into her mouth in her quest to explore the world. You'll need to make sure that all her toys are safe for chewing. Check the label and make sure they don't have tiny parts that can break off.

If you receive gifts from well-meaning friends and relatives that aren't right for your baby, just store them until she is old enough to appreciate them.

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